1:27 AM,
Nov. 15, 2012

This map shows the 'belt of fraud' identified as running through the Southeast in a recent study of identity fraud.

Written by

The Montgomery area has one of the highest concentrations of identity fraud rings in the nation, according to a study by an identity protection company.

The study by ID Analytics shows Montgomery is located within a "belt of fraud" through the rural Southeast. The other metro areas listed as having the most identity fraud activity were in the areas around Washington; Tampa, Fla.; Greenville, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; and Detroit.

Identity fraud "is when you pretend to be someone else and apply for a service," said Stephen Coggeshell, the author of the study. ...